Tribune experts offer their Bears-Jets predictions

December 25, 2010

Brad Biggs

Jets 17, Bears 13: While the Bears have secured a playoff spot, the Jets still have that motivation. The Jets possess a power running game like the Bears haven't seen this season. If they can stop that, they could force Mark Sanchez into many errors. It comes down to the run defense.

Vaughn McClure

Bears 28, Jets 14: To put it simply, the Jets are not nearly as good as advertised, and Rex Ryan runs his mouth too much. The Bears are all about business, and Lovie Smith would prefer the least amount of time in front of the camera as possible. That's the proper approach for a playoff team.

David Haugh

Bears 20, Jets 17: Revis Island might sound like an appealing vacation option for Rex Ryan after a trying week. But the better-focused Bears still have something worth playing for and their defense will expose Mark Sanchez as the weak spot on a Jets team suddenly on shaky, um, footing.

Dan Pompei

Jets 23, Bears 20: If you subscribe to the "most desperate team" theory, you will go with the Jets in this one. They need to win this game to wrap up a playoff spot. It might be natural for the Bears to let up a bit after winning their division. And they are working on a short week.

Fred Mitchell

Bears 27, Jets 20: The Jets have much at stake and will not go down easily. Jay Cutler needs to keep the game plan basic and not dare to test CB Darrelle Revis. If the Jets kick away from Devin Hester and out of bounds, the Bears must take advantage of the favorable field position.